The best time to travel in Brazil
Brazil is huge and, therefore, has a climate that varies greatly from region to region. Overall, temperatures are pleasant and the annual rainfall's not too heavy, so, on that front, you can visit all year round. Visitors often choose their arrival date according to the region they want to see, but you can equally book a date that coincides with activities or festivals you want to enjoy.
At a glance
You can head to Brazil, the famous, carnival melting pot, at any time of year. From April to October, the weather is warm and dry on the coast, but cold in the south. It's hot everywhere from December to March. Be forewarned that the country is invaded by Brazilian tourists between December and February, as it's their summer break. As local climates greatly differ, you can look at weather patterns for the region you want to visit, or you can organise your departure according Brazilian festival dates!
Customise your perfect trip to Brazil
Brazilian celebrations and festivals
Obviously the carnivals are worth every cent, but they're very crowded and the weather's hot. Brazil has other amazing festivals, but without these drawbacks... From April onwards, the weather is pleasant, prices are lower and Holy Week celebrations continue - from processions to colorful parades. From May to October, when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists, Brazil hosts numerous celebrations. From October onwards, it's hot all over the country. From December, Christmas celebrations kick into swing and between then and February, it's full on party time!
If you want to explore the flora and fauna
Brazil's plant and animal live is both diverse and impressive. The Amazon is a well-known destination for rainforest adventures, but there's also thePantanal, an immense, swampy area, home to a range of species; June to September is a particularly good time to go. Another Brazilian must-do is to go diving and snorkelling, during the winter months, at Fernando de Noronha. Between June and October head to Praia de Rosa, where you can watch southern right whales. And don't miss out the rich biodiversity of the Monte Pascoal National Park. Go exploring during the Brazilian winter months.
Adventure vacations in Brazil
Brazil is an adventurer's paradise. If you're a hiking or climbing fan, then go to the mountainous Itatiaia National Park If you want to go trekking across the dunes and lagoons of Lençois Maranhenses, then aim for between March and November. For eco-tourists, Bonito is the place to be: potholing, abseiling, fresh water snorkelling - something for everyone! As for Amazon, the best time for boat trips is between June and September. And why not take a helicopter ride over Brasilia? Now you know how much there is to do and see in Brazil, you'll also realise that the weather is best during their winter...plus you get to avoid the hordes of local tourists!
The Mid-West
Go to Brasilia, the carnival country's capital, in winter, when the weather is hot and dry. Even though temperatures remain agreable, it's a bit colder there in summer. And rainier too! If you enjoy history and culture, then you'll love its architecture and parks - a real discovery! Once more, bear in mind that the Brazilian summer break runs from December to February.
The Northeast
The weather's clement all year round in the northeast; it's hot and the region is brushed by a tropical breeze. It's also less humid than the rest of the country. Tourists head to the northeast of Brazil at any time of year often to visit its amazing capital, Salvador de Bahia, where people party and Capoeira rules! If you dislike hot weather, then you'll prefer the cooler climate between September and November. And once again, don't forget that it's very touristy from December to the end of February.
The South
Avoid the summer months if you want to visit southern Brazil The heat and humidity can be stifling. The weather is better in winter, although it can get really cold at the southern tip. Be forewarned that heavy rainfall can hit, unexpectedly, at any time of year. So it's better to visit the south of Brazil during their winter months of June, July and August. Avoid December, January and February, when it's their summer break and can get very crowded.
The North
Home to the Amazon rainforest, the climate in the north of Brazil is equatorial - hot and humid. It rains all year round in this region. Rainfall is at its heaviest between December and May. So if you're looking to explore Brazil's Amazon region, then June to September is best if you want to hike through the rainforest without getting too drenched.
The Southeast
Thanks to its famous carnival, Rio de Janeiro sums up Brazlians' love of life. Winter temperatures, between June and August, vary from 15°C to 25°C! It's an agreeable time of year and perfect for touring the region. Summer, on the other hand, can be oppressively hot and humid. The wettest months are October and January, when it often rains cats and dogs. If you want to avoid hordes of people, then go outside the Brazilian summer break, between December and February.